Electrical connector for plate electrode

ABSTRACT

A ground plate electrode having an electrically conductive skin connected to an electrosurgical unit with an elongated cord and clamp assembly. The clamp assembly has a pair of separated jaws carrying electrical contact plates positionable in surface contact with the skin of the electrode. Releasable lock structure acting on the jaws move the jaws together to firmly clamp the plates on the electrode. A separate arm having a projection is used to pierce the electrode to hold the clamp assembly in assembled relation with the electrode.

Umted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,842,394

Bolduc Oct. 15, 1974 [54] ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR PLATE 3,416,973l2/l968 Bcnzingcr 339/75 R ELECTRODE 3,622,941 ll/l97l Wctmore 3,624,590ll/l97l Bolduc 339/255 P [75] Inventor: Lee R. Bolduc, Mmneapohs, Minn.73 Assignee: Medical Plastics, Inc., Minnetonka, Primary ExaminerlosephMcGlyhh Minn. 22 Filed: Mar. 6, 1973 [57] ABSTRA CT 1 A ground plateelectrode having an electncally con- PP NOJ 338,455 ductive skinconnected to an electrosurgical unit with an elongated cord and clampassembly. The clamp as 52 us. c1 339/75 R, 24/258, 128/DIG. 4, semblyhas a P Of separated j carrying electrical 33 55 p 339/274 contactplates positionable in surface contact with the 511 Int. Cl 110111 11/22Skin of the electrode Releasable 190k Structure acting [58] Field ofSearch 339/75, 255, 260, 261, Oh the j move the j together to firmly l p339 74; 2 25 R 5 131 4 the plates on the electrode. A separate arm havmga projection is used to pierce the electrode to hold the 5 ReferencesCited clamp assembly in assembled relation with the elec- UNITED STATESPATENTS 2,113,852 4/1938 Meade 339/274 51 Claims, 11 Drawing FiguresELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR PLATE ELECTRODE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thefunctioning and safety of electrosurgical machines depends upon anunimpaired return circuit for current via the ground or indifferentelectrode and its cable. If this circuit fails, the current will choosethe next best route, which will means a short circuit to ground with aconsequent risk of diathermy burn. This hazard can be substantiallyreduced by having a substantial surface contact between the patient andthe ground electrode, a good electrical connection between theelectrical connector and the ground electrode, and a connector that willnot accidentally separate from the ground electrode.

Bolduc in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,543,760 and 3,699,968 describes disposableground plate electrodes and connectors usable in electrosurgical unitsfor electrosurgical procedures. The ground plate electrodes haveelectrically conductive aluminum skins secured to electricallyinsulative and flexible bases. The connectors are clamps having surfaceelectrical conductors located in surface engagement with the aluminumskins to insure an effective electrical connection between the clamp andthe skins. The plate electrode is provided with a turned flange whichcooperates with a portion of the connector to prevent accidentalseparation of theconnector from the electrode. Alternatively, the plateelectrode is provided with one or more holes which cooperate withfingers on the connector to prevent accidental removal of the plateelectrode when the connector is attached to the plate electrode.

Frankel in U. S. Pat. Nos. 775,284 and 1,221,524 discloses an electricaltesting clip having a pair of pivotally related members that are biasedwith a spring to a closed position. One of the members has a pointed pinto pierce insulation paint or oxidation on the part to which the testinginstrument is to be applied. Eads in U. S. Pat. No. 3,221,288 disclosesa printed circuit connector having pivoted members that are actuated byinserting the printed circuit into the connector to hold leads inoperative engagement with the connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electrical connector attachable to a plateelectrode, as a ground plate electrode or an EKG'electrode, provides anelectrical connection with the electrical conductive skin of theelectrode and prevents accidental separation of the connector from theelectrode. The connector has electrical conductor means positionable insubstantial surface engagement with the skin of the electrode. Theconductor means is mounted on spaced jaws located on opposite sides ofthe electrode. Releasable lock means is selectively operable. to apply aclamping force to and move the jaws together to firmly hold theconductor means in surface engagement with I the skin and to release theclamping force from the jaws whereby the electrode can be removed fromthe connector. In one form of connector, an arm having a projection ismovable to pierce the electrode to hold the electrode in assembledrelation with the connector.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a foreshortened plan view of a ground plateelectrode connected to an electrosurgical unit with a cord andelectrical connector of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1showing the clamp assembly in locking relation with the ground plateelectrode;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the clamp assemblyin release position;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first modification of the clamp assembly ofthe invention attached to a ground plate electrode;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second modification of the clamp assemblyof the invention attached to a ground plate electrode;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a third modification of a clamp assembly of the inventionattached to a ground plate electrode;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9- -9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fourth modification of the clamp assembly of the inventionattached to a ground plate electrode; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line ll--1l of FIG. 10.

Referring to the drawings, there: is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 a groundplate electrode or indifferent electrode indicated generally at 10 foruse with an electrosurgical machine in cautery, fulguration,electrocoagulation and like operating procedures. Electrode 10 can beused as an EKG electrode. The electrode 10 has a flexible electricallyinsulative base 11 of paper, carb oard, sheet plastic, foam plastic orlike materials and an electrically conductive skin or coating 12. Skin12 can be metal foil, as aluminum foil, metal films, copper, tin,silver, electrically conductive plastics, zinc, electrically conductiveinks and cloth, or the like. Both sides of the base can be covered withelectrically conductive skins or coatings. The skin 11 is of a size tocover the entire side of the base 12. Bonding material as an adhesivesecures the entire inner side of the skin 11 to the adjacent side of thebase 11. The electrode 10 does not have a folded flange nor a hole. Theedges of the skin 11 extend over the edges of the base to eliminatesharp edges. The corners of the electrode 10 are round or arcuate toeliminate points which may injure the patient or operating personnel.Skin 11 has a substantial external surface area to make a large surfaceengagement -is connected to an electrosurgical machine 13 with a cable14. An electrical plug 16 at one end of cable 14 connects the cable tothe electrosurgical machine 13. The opposite end of the cable 14 isconnected to clamp or connector assembly, indicated generally at 17,attached to the ground plate electrode 10.

I Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, clamp assembly or electrical connector 17has a pair of jaws or members 18 and 19. Members 18 and 19 haveangularly converging outer portions that are secured to each other witha weld or similar manner at 21. Members 18 and 19 can be formed from asingle piece of material bent into a generally U-shape. Line 22 of cable14 is attached to both members 18 and 19. The forward portions ofmembers 18 and 19 converge toward each other and terminate in rearwardlydirected contact plates 23 and 24 respectively. The plates 23 and 24extend the full width of the clamp assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, wherebythe plate 23 is in substantial surface contact with the electricallyconductive skin 11. The plate 24 is in surface contact with base 12 ofthe plate electrode and is directly opposite plate 23. Plate 24 isturned back on member 19 and reinforces the outerportion of the member19. Plate 23 is angularly disposed from the plane of the forward portionof the member 18 leaving a space 25 between plate 23 and member 18. Thisspace allows plate 23 to have a slight spring action. In other words,plate 23 is yieldable to conform to the flat surface of the ground plateelectrode 10. The result is that plate 23 is always in substantialsurface contact with the electrically conductive skin 11 of theelectrode. The member 18 is convered with a coating 26 of electricallyinsulative material as plastic, rubber and the like. A similarinsulative coating 27 covers the external portions of the member 19.

A' lock mechanism, indicated generally at 28, cooperates with members 18and 19 to selectively clamp the plate electrode between plates 23 and 24or release the plates 23 and 24 from the electrode. Lock mechanism 28comprises an upwardly directed bolt 29 extended through a hole 31 in themember 19. The bolt can be secured to member 19 so that it does notrotate. The head of bolt 29 is covered with the electrically insulativecoat 27. Threaded onto bolt 29 is a sleeve or cylindrical member 32. Thecylindrical member 32 projects through a hole 33 in member 18. A pair ofcam members '34 are located on opposite sides of the upper end of sleevemember 32. The cam members 34 have a generally elliptical shaped faceand are secured to a handle or arm 36. Handle 36 has an upwardly andoutwardly directed tab or tail 37 which can be used as a grip to movethe handle. The cam'members 34 and handle 36, along with tail 37, may beformed from a single member wherein the cam members 34 are integral withthe sides of the handle forming a generally U-shaped member.

A transverse pivot member or pin 38 connects the cams 34 with the upperend of cylindrical member 32. The pivot member 38 extends through theends .of the cams 34 adjacent handle 36, locating the outer peripheraledges or face of earns 34 in engagement with thetop portion of bodymember 18. As shown in FIG. 2, when lever 36 is in the down rearwardposition, the cams 34 contact the top of member 18 at points 39offcenter from the vertical axis of the sleeve 34. This places thecontact points 39 in an over-center position whereby the handle 36 willmaintain the members 18 and 19 in their closed locked position. When thelever is moved to its open position, as shown in FIG. 3, coil spring 41located concentrically about sleeve 32 biases the members 18 and 19 awayfrom each other. This moves plate 23 from the ground plate 10. j

The holding force of plates 23 and 24 on ground plate can be adjusted byadjusting the lock mechanism. The handle 36 can be rotated to rotatesleeve 32. This will shorten the open space 42 between plates 23 and 24,as shown in FIG. 3. The space42 is smaller than the closingdistance ofcams 34 whereby the lock mechanism will provide a strong holding forceon plate 23. The plate 23, being resilinet, will move to a flat surfaceengagement with the skin 11 of the electrode 10 whereby a substantialelectrical connection is made between the clamp 17 and ground plateelectrode 10. The locking mechanism produces a tight friction gripbetween the plates 23 and 24 and the electrode 10 so that clamp 17cannot be accidentally removed from the electrode.

Referring to FIGS.. 4 and 5, there is shown a first modification of theclamp assembly or electrical connector indicated generally at 43connected to a ground plate electrode 44. Electrode 44 has anelectrically insulative base 46 of cardboard, plastic or the like,carrying an electrically conductive skin 47, as aluminum foil, metalfoil, copper, tin or the like. Electrode 44 is identical to electrode 10shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 43 has a one-piece body 48. Body 48 is of yieldableplastic material and is electrically insulative. The body 48 has agenerally U-shaped base portion 49. The ends of the base portion areintegral with generally transverse jaws or flanges 51 and 52. Located inengagement with the inside surface of the body portion 48 is a conductor53. The conductor has a first contact plate 54 along the inside offlange 51 and a second contact plate 56 along the inside of flange 52.Each contact plate has an outwardly inclined nose 58 terminating in aninwardly directed lip 59. Lip 59 is located in transverse grooves 60 onthe front edges of the flanges 51 and 52.

The conductor 53 is held in assembled relation with the body 49 with abolt 61. The bolt 61 extends through a hole in the bottom of base 49 andis secured to the base with a nut 62. A cable 63 having an electricallyconductive line 64 is connected to the outer end of bolt 61. The cable63 is used to connect the clamp assembly to an electrosurgical unit. 1

A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 66 is mounted on body49 to clamp the contact plates 54 and 56 on the plate electrode 44. Lockassembly 66 comprises a bolt 67 extended through a hole 68 in the lowerportion of body 49, as shown in FIG. 5. A sleeve 69 projects downwardlythrough hole 70 in the upper portion of body 49 and is threaded onto thebolt 67. The upper end of sleeve 69 has an enlarged head carrying alaterally directed arm 71. The arm 71 has an upwardly directed tail 72used to grip the arm, enabling the arm to be rotated in the direction ofarrows 73. The arm 71 is rotatable to provide a squeezing or clampingforce on the flanges 51 and 52 and thereby force the contact plate 54 inflat surface engagement with the electrically conductive skin 47 and thecontact plate 56 into engagement with base 46. Plate 56 has upwardlyprojected ribs or teeth 57 which bite into base 46 to aid in preventingseparation of the clamp assembly 43from the electrode 44.

The top of base 49 has two pairs of upwardly directed projections orears 74. Each pair of ears 74 is spaced from the other a distance toaccommodate the outer end of arm 71. The ears 74 hold arm 71 in itsadjusted.

position by preventing the arm from accidentally rotating and therebyreleasing the grip of the clamp assembly on the plate electrode. Thebase 49 can have a series of projections or ears to hold the arm in anumber of selected arcuate positions.

In use, the arm 71 is rotated in one direction to release or turn sleeve69 off bolt 67. This releases the clamping action ofthe jaws 51 and 52on the plate electrode 44. With the clamp in the released position,electrode 44 can be inserted between the contact plates 54 and 56, asshown in FIG. 5. The angular shape of the noses 58 of the contact platesaids in insertion of ground plate electrode 44 between contact plates 54and 56. The lock assembly 66 is actuated to clamp the plates 54 and 56onto the plate electrode 44. The arm 71 is rotated, as indicated byarrow 73, to tighten or turn sleeve 69 onto bolt 67. This produces aclamping action on body 49, forcing the contact plate 54 into firmsurface engagement with electrical contact skin 47 of the ground plateelectrode 44. The pressure is increased until the arm 71 is placedbetween ears 74, as shown in FIG. 4, to hold the arm in the selectedposition. The clamp assembly is now in a firm and positive electricalsurface relationship with plate electrode 44.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a second modification of theclamp assembly, indicated generally at 80, in assembled relation with aground plate electrode 81. Plate electrode 81 has a flexible insulativebase 82 carrying an electrically conductive skin 83. Electrode 81 isidentical to electrode shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 80 has a one-piece electrically insulative body 84. Body84 is made of yieldable plastic or rubber material. Body 84 has atransverse base 86 integral with forwardly directed flanges or jaws 87and 88. The jaws 87 and 88 are laterally spaced from each other adistance to accommodate a generally U-shaped electrical conductor member89. Conductor member 89 has a first contact plate 91 in engagement withjaws 87 and a second contact plate 92 in engagement with jaw 88. Eachcontact plate has an outwardly inclined transverse nose 93 terminatingin a rearwardly directed lip 91. Lip 91 is located in a transversegroove 96 in the forward end of jaws 87 and 88. A bolt 97'extendedthrough base 86 holds the conductor member 89 on the base 86. A nut 98threaded on the bolt holds the bolt 97 on the base 86. A nut or similarthreaded member can be retained in the base of the conductor 91 toreceive the bolt 97 from an opposite direction. A cable 99 is attachedto the outer end of bolt 97 to connect electrical conductor line 101 tothe bolt 97 and thereby provide an electrical connection to the contactplates 91 and 92.

A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 102 acts on jaws'87and 88 to hold the contact plates 91 and 92 in firm surface contact withopposite sides of the ground plate electrode 81. Lock assembly 102 hasan upwardly directed bolt I03 extended through hole 104 injaw 88. Asleeve or cylindrical member 106 extended through hole 107 in jaw 87 isthreaded onto bolt 103. The sleeve 106 extends above the jaw 87 and isattached to a pair of overcenter cams 108. Cams 108 are connected to alever or arm 109 terminating in an upwardly directed gripping tail 111.A transverse pivot pin 112 extends through cams 108 and the upper end ofsleeve 106 to pivotally connect the cams to the sleeve. The cams 108have an elliptical shaped face whereby when the cam is located in theclosed position, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressure points 113 are in anover-center relationship with respect to the vertical or upright axis ofthe-bolt 103 thereby holding the cams in their locked positions. Thecams 108 are released by moving arm 109 to an upward broken lineposition.

This moves the cam surface over-center and released the clamping forceson the jaws 87 and 88. The amount of clamping force applied to jaws 87and 88 can be adjusted by rotating the sleeve 106 relative to bolt 103.This is accomplished by rotating the arm 109 about the upright axis ofbolt 103.

In use, the plate electrode 81 is inserted between the contact plates 91and 92 with the lever arm 109 in the upright broken line position shownin FIG. 7. The electrode 91 is in substantial surface engagement withthe electrically conductive skin 82 of the electrode. The lock mechanismclamps the contact plates 91 and 92 into engagement with opposite sidesof the plate electrode 82 by moving arm 109 to the forward or downposition, as shown in FIG. 7. When arm 109 is in this position, thecontact points 113 of cams 108 are in over-center positions whereby theresilient force of jaws 87 and 88 will hold the lock assembly in itslocked position.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a third modification of theclamp assembly indicated generally at 115 operatively connected to aground plate electrode 116. Plate electrode 116 has a flexible base 117carrying an electrically conductive skin 118. Electrode 116 is the sameconstruction as electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Clamp assembly 115 has a one-piece body 119 of resilient, electricallyinsulative material as plastic, rubger and the like. Body 119 has atransverse base integral with forwardly directed flanges or jaws 122 and123. Jaws 122 and 123 are spaced from each other with a transverse slit124. Located in space 124 is a generally U-shaped conductor 126 having afirst contact plate 127 in engagement with jaw 122 and a second contactplate 128 in engagement with jaw 123. The lateral space between contactplates 127 and 128 is smaller than the thickness of the plate electrpde116 whereby the electrode is located between the plates 127 and 128 witha tight fit. The biasing force of jaws 122 and 123 hold the plates 127and 128 in firm surface engagement with opposite sides of the electrode116. Each contact plate 127 and 128 has a forwardly and outwardlydirected nose 129 terminating in a rearwardly directed lip 131. Lip 131extends transversely across the jaws and is located in a groove 132 inthe front part of jaw 123. Jaw 123 has a similar groove for lip 131 ofplate 127. Conductor 126 is held on the body 119 with a bolt 133. A nut134 threaded on bolt 133 clamps the conductor 126 to body 119. A cable136 having a conductor wire 137 is attached to the outer end of bolt133.

and has a length that extends through a hole 143 in jaw 122 and into ahole 144 in jaw 123. The arm 138 is a yieldable springmember normally inengagement with the top of jaw 122. The arm 138 can be flexed and raisedfrom the jaw 122, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 9, to move the point142 up into the opening 143 of jaw 122. When the arm 138 is in theraised position,

the electrode 116 can be inserted into the space 124. The space 124 isslightly smaller than the thickness of g the electrode, whereby thecontact plate 127 is in firm and surface engagement with electricallyconductive skin 118. When the holding force on arm 138 is released, theprojection 141 will puncture a hole 145 through the plate electrode 116thereby providing a holding member to prevent accidental separation ofthe clamp assembly 115 from the plate electride 116. The plate electrode116 is released from clamp assembly 115 by raising the arm 138 torelease projection 141. The electrode 116 is then separated from theclamp assembly by pulling the electrode 116 from the clamp assembly 115.

Referring to FIGS. and 11, there is shown a fourth modification of theclamp assembly indicated generally at 150 attached to a ground plateelectrode 151. Plate electrode 151 has a base 152 and electricallyconductive skin 153. Plate electrode 151 is of a constructioncorresponding to the structure of plate electrode 10 shown in FIGS. 1through 3.

Clamp assembly 150 has a one-piece body 154 of a generally flatrectangular shape of electrically insulative and resilient material, asplastic, rubber or the like. Body 154 has a base 156 integrally joinedwith forwardly directed fiat flanges or jaws 157 and 158. The jaws 157and 158 are laterally spaced from each other by slot or space 159.Located within space 159 is a generally, U-shaped electrical conductor160. Conductor 160 has a first contact plate 161 in engagement with thejaw 157 and a'second contact plate 162 in engagement with jaw 158. Eachcontact plate has a forwardly and outwardly directed nose 163terminating in a rearwardly directed lip 164. The lip is located in atransverse groove 166.

A bolt 167 extended through the back of base 156 and the conductor 160holds the conductor in assembled relation with base 154. A nut 168threaded on bolt 167 secures the bolt 167 to the base 156. A cable 169having an electrical lead 171 is attached to the outer end of bolt 167.

A releasable lock assembly indicated generally at 172 cooperates withjaws 157 and 158 to clamp the contact plates 161 and 162 into engagementwith opposite sides of plate electrode 151. Lock assembly 172 comprisesa bolt 173 projected through a hole 174 in jaw 158. A sleeve 176projected through a hole 177 in jaw 157 is threaded onto bolt 173. Theupper end of sleeve 176 projects above jaw 157 and is pivotallyconnected to a pair of cams 178. Cams 178 are attached to an elongatedarm 179 terminating in an upwardly directed tail 181. A transverse pivotpin 182 pivotally connects the cams 178 to the upper end of sleeve 176.Cams 178 have generally elliptical shaped faces so that when arm 179 isdown, as shown in FIG. 11, the cams 178 are in an over-center position,thereby holding the jaws 157 and 158 in a clamped together position.

Secured to and projected downwardly from the outer end of arm 179 is afinger or projection 183. The end of projection 183 is inclined and hasa point 184. When the arm 179 is in the down position, projection 183projects through a hole 186 in jaw 157 and into a hole 187 in the jaw158.

In use, when plate electrode 151 is located between the contact plates161 and 162, the contact plate 161 has substantial surface engagementwith electrically conductive skin 153. The projection 183 is moveddownwardly with movement of lever 179 to pierce the electrode 151locating projection through a hole 180 in the electrode 151. Themovement of arm 179 to the down position also produces a clamping actionon jaws 157 and 158. The plate electrode 151 is released from clampassembly 150 by raising arm 179 in the direction of arrow 188. Thiswithdraws the projection 183 from the electrode 151 and releases theclamping action of jaws 157 and 158. The plate electrode can then bereadily removed from the clamp assembly. The clamping action of lockassembly 172 can be adjusted by rotating the arm 178 about the generallyupright axis of bolt 173.

While there have been shown and described preferred embodiments of theclamp assembly and attachment to a ground plate electrode, it is to beunderstood that various changes, substitutions, and deletions may bemade by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe invention. For example, the ground plate electrodes 10, 44, 84, 116and 151 may have an electrically conductive skin on both sides of thebases. The plate conductors of each clamp assembly can have pairs ofelectrical contacts as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,699,968. Theinvention is defined in the following claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and anelectrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface ofthe body to make a large surface electrical contact between theelectrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connectorreleasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connectorhaving electrical conductor means located in substantial surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw meanslocated on one side of said plate electrode, and second jaw meanslocated on the opposite side of said plate electrode, said electricalconnector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, andreleasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first andsecond jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductormeans in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means andmovable to a second position to release the first and second jaw meansto thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from theelectrically conductive means, said releasable lock means includingfirst means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through holesin the first and second jaw means, said first means including a firstmember and a second member adjustably connected to the first member, cam

means pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with thesecond jaw means, and second means secured to the cam means operable tomove the cam means to a first position to locate the first and secondjaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor meansis held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means,said cam means being movable to a second position to release the firstand second jaw means whereby the plate electrode can be separated fromthe electrical connector.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the cam means has an ellipticalshaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

3. The structure of claim 1 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.

4. The structure of claim -1 wherein: said electrical conductor means isa generally U-shaped member located within the space between the firstjaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first and secondjaw means.

5. The structure of claim 1 including: arm means secured to the cammeans operable to move the cam means.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein: the first jaw means and the secondjaw means have aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adaptedto move through the hole in the first jaw means and into the hole in thesecond jaw means when the cam means is in the first position.

7. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the first jaw means and second jawmeans are part of a one piece generally U-shaped member.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein: said one piece member is ayieldable plastic material.

9. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electricalconductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable insubstantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, afirst jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, saidconductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw andmounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to afirst position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw andsecond jaw together and movable to a second position to release theclamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lockmeans including first means mounted on the firstjaws and pro jectedthrough holes in the first and second jaws, said first means including afirst member and a second member adjustably connected to the firstmember, cam means pivotally connected to said first means and engageablewith the second jaws, and second means secured to the cam means operableto move the cam means to a first position to locate the first and secondjaws in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means isheld in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, saidcam means being movable to a second position to release the first andsecond jaws whereby the plate electrode can be separated from theelectrical connector.

10. The structure of claim 9 wherein: the cam means has an ellipticalshaped face engageable with the second jaw.

11. The structure of claim 9 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw away from the second jaw.

12. The structure of claim 9 including: arm means secured to the cammeans operable to move the cam means.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein: the first jaw and the second jawhave aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to movethrough the hole in the first jaw and into the hole in the second jawwhen the cam means is in the first position.

14. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electricalconductor having plate electrical conductor means positionable insubstantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, afirst jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, saidconductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw andmounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock means operable to afirst position to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw andsecond jaw together and movable to a second position to release theclamping force from said first and second jaws, said releasable lockmeans including a first threaded member projected through a hole in thesecond jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the firstthreaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the second threadedmember, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable with thesecond jaw and arm means secured to the cam means operable to move thecam means to I a first position to locate the first and second jaws in a17. An electrical connector attachable to a ground plate electrodehaving a base and electrically conductive skin means attached to thebase comprising: a body having a first jaw and a second jaw, said firstjaw being laterally spaced from the second jaw, and conductor meansmounted on said body for making an electrical connection with the skinmeans, said conductor means having a contact plate member with a surfaceadapted to be located in surface engagement with the skin means, an armoperable connected to the body, means mounting the arm on said body forselective movement of the arm toward andaway from one of said jaws andprojection means secured to said arm, said first jaw having a hole foraccommodating said projection means, said projection means having alength to project through said hole and through a plate electrodelocated between the first jaw and second jaw whereby said projectionmeans holds the connector in assembled relation with a plate electrode.

18. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said second jaw has a holegenerally aligned with the hole in the first jaw, said projection meanshaving a length to ex tend into the hole in the second jaw.

19. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said means cooperating with saidarm is a releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply aclamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw toward eachother and movable to a second position to release the clamping forcefrom said first and second jaws.

20. The connector of claim 19 wherein: the releasable lock meansincludes first means mounted on the first jaw and projected throughholes in the first and second jaws, cam means pivotally connected tosaid first means and engageable with the second jaw, and second meanssecured to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a firstposition to locate the first and second jaws in a clamped positionwhereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagementwith the skin means, said cam means being movable to a second positionto release the first and second jaws whereby the plate electrode can beseparated from the electrical connector.

21. The connector of claim 17 wherein: the body is a generally U-shaped,one piece yieldable plastic member.

22. The connector of claim 21 wherein: said electrical conductor meansis a generally U-shaped member located within the space between thefirst jaw and the second jaw and attached to said first and second jaws.

23. A plate electrode for engaing the surface of a body and anelectrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface for surface engagement with the surface of a bodyto make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasablyattached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector havingelectrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagementwith the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on oneside of said plate electrode and second jaw means located on theopposite side of said plate electrode, said electrical conductor meansbeing attached to at least one of said jaw means, releasable lock meansoperable to a first position to move the first and second jaw meanstogether to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to asecond position to release the first and second jaw means to therebyrelease the clamp of the electrical.

conductor means from the electrically conductive means, said releasablelock means including first means mounted on the first jaw means andprojected through holes in the first and secondjaw means, cam meanspivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the secondjaw means. and second means secured to the cam means operable to movethe cam means to a first position to locate the first and second jawmeans in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor means isheld in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, saidcam means being movable to a second position to release the first andsecond jaw means whereby the plate electrode can be separated from theelectrical connector, and arm means secured to the cam means operable tomove the cam means, said first jaw means and second jaw means havingaligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to movethrough the hole in the first jaw means and into the hole in the secondjaw means when the cam means is in the first position.

24. The structure of claim 23 wherein: the cam means has anelliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

25. The structure of claim 23 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.

26. The structure of claim 23 wherein: said electrical conductor meansis a generally U-shaped member located within the space between thefirst jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first andsecond jaw means.

27. The structure of claim 23 wherein: the first jaw means and secondjaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

28. The structure of claim 27 wherein: said one-piece member is ayieldable plastic material.

29. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and anelectrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasablyattached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector havingelectrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagementwith the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on oneside of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means beingattached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock meansoperable to a first position to move the first and second jaw meanstogether to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to asecond position to release the first and second jaw means to therebyrelease the clamp of the electrical conductor means from theelectrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including afirst threaded member mounted on the first jaw means, a second threadedmember projected through a hole in the second jaw means, said secondthreaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, and armmeans connected to the second threaded member and movable to rotate thesecond threaded member in one direction to apply a clamping force on thefirst and second jaw means whereby the electrical conductor means isheld in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means andmovable in an opposite direction to release the clamping force on thejaw means whereby the plate electrode can be removed from the electricalconnector.

30. The structure of claim 29 wherein: the cam means has anelliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

31. The structure of claim 29 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.

32. The structure of claim 29 wherein: said electrical conductor meansis a generally U-shaped member located within the space between thefirst jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first andsecond jaw means.

33. The structure of claim 29 wherein: the first jaw means and secondjaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

34. The structure of claim 33 wherein: said one-piece member is ayieldable plastic material.

35. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and anelectrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, and an electrical connector releasablyattached to said plate electrode, said electrical connector havingelectrical conductor means located in substantial surface engagementwith the electrically conductive means, first jaw means located on oneside of said plate electrode, said electrical connector means beingattached to at least one of said jaw means, and releasable lock meansoperable to a first position to move the first and second jaw meanstogether to thereby clamp the electrical conductor means in surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means and movable to asecond position to release the first and second jaw means to therebyrelease the clamp of the electrical conductor means from theelectrically conductive means, said releasable lock means including afirst threaded member mounted on the first jaw means, a second threadedmember projected through a hole in the second jaw means, said secondthreaded member being threaded to the first threaded member, cam meanspivotally connected to the second threaded member, said cam means havingan eccentric face engageable with the second jaw means and arm meanssecured. to the cam means operable to move the cam means to a firstposition to locate the first and second jaw means in a clamped positionwhereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagementwith the electrically conductive means and movable to a second positionto release the first and second jaw means.

36. The structure of claim 35 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.

37. The structure of claim 35 wherein: said electrical conductor meansis a generally U-shaped member located within the space between thefirst jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first andsecond jaw means.

38. The structure of claim 35 wherein: the first jaw means and secondjaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

39. The structure of claim 38 wherein: said one-piece member is ayieldable plastic material.

40. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electricalconnector having electrical conductor plate means positionable insubstantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, afirst jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, saidconductor means located between said first jaw and said second jaw andmounted on one of said jaws, releasable lock means operable to a firstposition to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and secondjaw together and movable to a second position to release the clampingforce from the first and second jaws, and arm means secured to the cammeans operable to move the cam means, said first jaw and second jawhaving aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to movethrough the hole in the first jaw and into the hole in the second jawwhen the cam means is in the first position.

41. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the cam means has anelliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

42. The structure of claim 40 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.

43. The structure of claim 40 wherein: said electrical conductor meansis a generally U-shaped member located within the space between thefirst jaw means and the second jaw-means and attached to said first andsecond jaw means.

44. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the first jaw means and secondjaw means are: part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

45. The structure of claim 44 wherein: said one-piece member is ayieldable plastic material.

46. An electrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact be-, tween theelectrically conductive means and the body, the improvement of: saidelectrical conductor having plate electrical conductor meanspositionable in substantial surface engagement with the electricallyconductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from thefirst jaw, said conductor means located between said first jaw and saidsecond jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, and releasable lock meansoperable to a first position to apply a clamping force to and move thefirst jaw and second jaw together and movable to a second position torelease the clamping force from said first and second jaws, saidreleasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted on thefirst jaw, a second threaded member projected through a hole in thesecond jaw, said second threaded member being threaded to the firstthreaded member, and arm means connected to the second threaded memberand movable to rotate the second threaded member in one direction toapply a clamping force on the first and second jaws whereby theelectrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means and movable in an opposite direction torelease the clamping force on the jaws whereby the plate electrode canbe removed from the electrical connector.

47. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the cam means has anelliptical-shaped face engageable with the second jaw means.

48. The structure of claim 46 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.

49. The structure of claim 46 wherein: said electrical conductor meansis a generally U-shaped member located within the space between thefirst jaw means and the second jaw means and attached to said first andsecond jaw means.

50. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the first jaw means and secondjaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member.

51. The structure of claim 50 wherein: said one-piece member is ayeildable plastic material.

* =l l l 222 3 T UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l CERTIFICATE OF-CORRECTION PatentN o. 3,842,394 Dated OctoberlS, 1974 Inventor(s) LeeBolduc It is certified that error appears in the above identified patentand that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 10, "means" should be -mean-.

Column 3, line 21, "convered" should be -covered.

Column '4, line 2', "resilinet" shouldbe "resilient".

Column 6, line 29, "rubger" should be "rubber-- Column 6, line 37,"electrpde" should be -electrode-- Column 10, line '48, "operable"should be -operably.

Column 14 last line, "yeildable" should be -yieldable- Signed end sealedthis 17th day of December 1974..

fa -A Attefit:

25:60; 21. GlBSoN JR. C. l-lARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer TCommissioner of Patents

1. A plate electrode for engaging the surface of a body and anelectrical connector comprising: a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface ofthe body to make a large surface electrical contact between theelectrically conductive means and the body, and an electrical connectorreleasably attached to said plate electrode, said electrical connectorhaving electrical conductor means located in substantial surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means, first jaw meanslocated on one side of said plate electrode, and second jaw meanslocated on the opposite side of said plate electrode, said electricalconnector means being attached to at least one of said jaw means, andreleasable lock means operable to a first position to move the first andsecond jaw means together to thereby clamp the electrical conductormeans in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means andmovable to a second position to release the first and second jaw meansto thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor means from theelectrically conductive means, said releasable lock means includingfirst means mounted on the first jaw means and projected through holesin the first and second jaw means, said first means including a firstmember and a second member adjustably connected to the first member, cammeans pivotally connected to said first means and engageable with thesecond jaw means, and second means secured to the cam means operable tomove the cam means to a first position to locate the first and secondjaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor meansis held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means,said cam means being movable to a second position to release the firstand second jaw meanS whereby the plate electrode can be separated fromthe electrical connector.
 2. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the cammeans has an elliptical shaped face engageable with the second jawmeans.
 3. The structure of claim 1 including: biasing means to move thefirst jaw means away from the second jaw means.
 4. The structure ofclaim 1 wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shapedmember located within the space between the first jaw means and thesecond jaw means and attached to said first and second jaw means.
 5. Thestructure of claim 1 including: arm means secured to the cam meansoperable to move the cam means.
 6. The structure of claim 5 wherein: thefirst jaw means and the second jaw means have aligned holes, said armmeans having a projection adapted to move through the hole in the firstjaw means and into the hole in the second jaw means when the cam meansis in the first position.
 7. The structure of claim 1 wherein: the firstjaw means and second jaw means are part of a one piece generallyU-shaped member.
 8. The structure of claim 7 wherein: said one piecemember is a yieldable plastic material.
 9. An electrical connectorattachable to a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means,said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area forsurface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surfaceelectrical contact between the electrically conductive means and thebody, the improvement of: said electrical conductor having plateelectrical conductor means positionable in substantial surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means, a first jaw, a secondjaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, said conductor means locatedbetween said first jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of saidjaws, and releasable lock means operable to a first position to apply aclamping force to and move the first jaw and second jaw together andmovable to a second position to release the clamping force from saidfirst and second jaws, said releasable lock means including first meansmounted on the first jaws and projected through holes in the first andsecond jaws, said first means including a first member and a secondmember adjustably connected to the first member, cam means pivotallyconnected to said first means and engageable with the second jaws, andsecond means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam means toa first position to locate the first and second jaws in a clampedposition whereby the electrical conductor means is held in surfaceengagement with the electrically conductive means, said cam means beingmovable to a second position to release the first and second jawswhereby the plate electrode can be separated from the electricalconnector.
 10. The structure of claim 9 wherein: the cam means has anelliptical shaped face engageable with the second jaw.
 11. The structureof claim 9 including: biasing means to move the first jaw away from thesecond jaw.
 12. The structure of claim 9 including: arm means secured tothe cam means operable to move the cam means.
 13. The structure of claim12 wherein: the first jaw and the second jaw have aligned holes, saidarm means having a projection adapted to move through the hole in thefirst jaw and into the hole in the second jaw when the cam means is inthe first position.
 14. An electrical connector attachable to a plateelectrode having an electrically conductive means, said electricallyconductive means having a substantial surface area for surfaceengagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electricalcontact between the electrically conductive means and the body, theimprovement of: said electrical conductor having plate electricalconductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterallyspaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between saidfirst jaw and said secoNd jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, andreleasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clampingforce to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to asecond position to release the clamping force from said first and secondjaws, said releasable lock means including a first threaded memberprojected through a hole in the second jaw, said second threaded memberbeing threaded to the first threaded member, cam means pivotallyconnected to the second threaded member, said cam means having aneccentric face engageable with the second jaw and arm means secured tothe cam means operable to move the cam means to a first position tolocate the first and second jaws in a clamp position whereby theelectrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means and movable to a second position torelease the first and second jaws.
 15. The structure of claim 14wherein: the first jaw and second jaw are part of a one piece generallyU-shaped member.
 16. The structure of claim 14 wherein: said electricalconductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the spacebetween the first jaw and the second jaw and attached to said first andsecond jaws.
 17. An electrical connector attachable to a ground plateelectrode having a base and electrically conductive skin means attachedto the base comprising: a body having a first jaw and a second jaw, saidfirst jaw being laterally spaced from the second jaw, and conductormeans mounted on said body for making an electrical connection with theskin means, said conductor means having a contact plate member with asurface adapted to be located in surface engagement with the skin means,an arm operable connected to the body, means mounting the arm on saidbody for selective movement of the arm toward and away from one of saidjaws and projection means secured to said arm, said first jaw having ahole for accommodating said projection means, said projection meanshaving a length to project through said hole and through a plateelectrode located between the first jaw and second jaw whereby saidprojection means holds the connector in assembled relation with a plateelectrode.
 18. The connector of claim 17 wherein: said second jaw has ahole generally aligned with the hole in the first jaw, said projectionmeans having a length to extend into the hole in the second jaw.
 19. Theconnector of claim 17 wherein: said means cooperating with said arm is areleasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clampingforce to and move the first jaw and second jaw toward each other andmovable to a second position to release the clamping force from saidfirst and second jaws.
 20. The connector of claim 19 wherein: thereleasable lock means includes first means mounted on the first jaw andprojected through holes in the first and second jaws, cam meanspivotally connected to said first means and engageable with the secondjaw, and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cammeans to a first position to locate the first and second jaws in aclamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held insurface engagement with the skin means, said cam means being movable toa second position to release the first and second jaws whereby the plateelectrode can be separated from the electrical connector.
 21. Theconnector of claim 17 wherein: the body is a generally U-shaped, onepiece yieldable plastic member.
 22. The connector of claim 21 wherein:said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped member locatedwithin the space between the first jaw and the second jaw and attachedto said first and second jaws.
 23. A plate electrode for engaing thesurface of a body and an electrical connector comprising: a plateelectrode having an electrically conductive means, said electricallyconductive means having a substantial surface for surface engagementwith the surface of a body to make a laRge surface electrical contactbetween the electrically conductive means and the body, and anelectrical connector releasably attached to said plate electrode, saidelectrical connector having electrical conductor means located insubstantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means,first jaw means located on one side of said plate electrode and secondjaw means located on the opposite side of said plate electrode, saidelectrical conductor means being attached to at least one of said jawmeans, releasable lock means operable to a first position to move thefirst and second jaw means together to thereby clamp the electricalconductor means in surface engagement with the electrically conductivemeans and movable to a second position to release the first and secondjaw means to thereby release the clamp of the electrical conductor meansfrom the electrically conductive means, said releasable lock meansincluding first means mounted on the first jaw means and projectedthrough holes in the first and second jaw means, cam means pivotallyconnected to said first means and engageable with the second jaw means,and second means secured to the cam means operable to move the cam meansto a first position to locate the first and second jaw means in aclamped position whereby the electrical conductor means is held insurface engagement with the electrically conductive means, said cammeans being movable to a second position to release the first and secondjaw means whereby the plate electrode can be separated from theelectrical connector, and arm means secured to the cam means operable tomove the cam means, said first jaw means and second jaw means havingaligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to movethrough the hole in the first jaw means and into the hole in the secondjaw means when the cam means is in the first position.
 24. The structureof claim 23 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped faceengageable with the second jaw means.
 25. The structure of claim 23including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from thesecond jaw means.
 26. The structure of claim 23 wherein: said electricalconductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the spacebetween the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached tosaid first and second jaw means.
 27. The structure of claim 23 wherein:the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piecegenerally U-shaped member.
 28. The structure of claim 27 wherein: saidone-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.
 29. A plate electrodefor engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connectorcomprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means,said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area forsurface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surfaceelectrical contact between the electrically conductive means and thebody, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plateelectrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor meanslocated in substantial surface engagement with the electricallyconductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plateelectrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at leastone of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a firstposition to move the first and second jaw means together to therebyclamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means and movable to a second position torelease the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp ofthe electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means,said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted onthe first jaw means, a second threaded member projected through a holein the second jaw means, said second threaded member being threaded tothe first threaded member, and arm means connected to the secondthreaded member and movable to rotate the second threaded member in onedirection to apply a clamping force on the first and second jaw meanswhereby the electrical conductor means is held in surface engagementwith the electrically conductive means and movable in an oppositedirection to release the clamping force on the jaw means whereby theplate electrode can be removed from the electrical connector.
 30. Thestructure of claim 29 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shapedface engageable with the second jaw means.
 31. The structure of claim 29including: biasing means to move the first jaw means away from thesecond jaw means.
 32. The structure of claim 29 wherein: said electricalconductor means is a generally U-shaped member located within the spacebetween the first jaw means and the second jaw means and attached tosaid first and second jaw means.
 33. The structure of claim 29 wherein:the first jaw means and second jaw means are part of a one-piecegenerally U-shaped member.
 34. The structure of claim 33 wherein: saidone-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.
 35. A plate electrodefor engaging the surface of a body and an electrical connectorcomprising: a plate electrode having an electrically conductive means,said electrically conductive means having a substantial surface area forsurface engagement with the surface of a body to make a large surfaceelectrical contact between the electrically conductive means and thebody, and an electrical connector releasably attached to said plateelectrode, said electrical connector having electrical conductor meanslocated in substantial surface engagement with the electricallyconductive means, first jaw means located on one side of said plateelectrode, said electrical connector means being attached to at leastone of said jaw means, and releasable lock means operable to a firstposition to move the first and second jaw means together to therebyclamp the electrical conductor means in surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means and movable to a second position torelease the first and second jaw means to thereby release the clamp ofthe electrical conductor means from the electrically conductive means,said releasable lock means including a first threaded member mounted onthe first jaw means, a second threaded member projected through a holein the second jaw means, said second threaded member being threaded tothe first threaded member, cam means pivotally connected to the secondthreaded member, said cam means having an eccentric face engageable withthe second jaw means and arm means secured to the cam means operable tomove the cam means to a first position to locate the first and secondjaw means in a clamped position whereby the electrical conductor meansis held in surface engagement with the electrically conductive means andmovable to a second position to release the first and second jaw means.36. The structure of claim 35 including: biasing means to move the firstjaw means away from the second jaw means.
 37. The structure of claim 35wherein: said electrical conductor means is a generally U-shaped memberlocated within the space between the first jaw means and the second jawmeans and attached to said first and second jaw means.
 38. The structureof claim 35 wherein: the first jaw means and second jaw means are partof a one-piece generally U-shaped member.
 39. The structure of claim 38wherein: said one-piece member is a yieldable plastic material.
 40. Anelectrical connector attachable to a plate electrode having anelectrically conductive means, said electrically conductive means havinga substantial surface area for surface engagement with the surface of abody to make a large surface electrical contact between the electricallyconductive means and the body, the improvement of: said electricalconnector having electrical conductor plate means positionable insubstantial surface engagement with the electrically conductive means, afirst jaw, a second jaw laterally spaced from the first jaw, saidconductOr means located between said first jaw and said second jaw andmounted on one of said jaws, releasable lock means operable to a firstposition to apply a clamping force to and move the first jaw and secondjaw together and movable to a second position to release the clampingforce from the first and second jaws, and arm means secured to the cammeans operable to move the cam means, said first jaw and second jawhaving aligned holes, said arm means having a projection adapted to movethrough the hole in the first jaw and into the hole in the second jawwhen the cam means is in the first position.
 41. The structure of claim40 wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped face engageable withthe second jaw means.
 42. The structure of claim 40 including: biasingmeans to move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means. 43.The structure of claim 40 wherein: said electrical conductor means is agenerally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jawmeans and the second jaw-means and attached to said first and second jawmeans.
 44. The structure of claim 40 wherein: the first jaw means andsecond jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member. 45.The structure of claim 44 wherein: said one-piece member is a yieldableplastic material.
 46. An electrical connector attachable to a plateelectrode having an electrically conductive means, said electricallyconductive means having a substantial surface area for surfaceengagement with the surface of a body to make a large surface electricalcontact between the electrically conductive means and the body, theimprovement of: said electrical conductor having plate electricalconductor means positionable in substantial surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means, a first jaw, a second jaw laterallyspaced from the first jaw, said conductor means located between saidfirst jaw and said second jaw and mounted on one of said jaws, andreleasable lock means operable to a first position to apply a clampingforce to and move the first jaw and second jaw together and movable to asecond position to release the clamping force from said first and secondjaws, said releasable lock means including a first threaded membermounted on the first jaw, a second threaded member projected through ahole in the second jaw, said second threaded member being threaded tothe first threaded member, and arm means connected to the secondthreaded member and movable to rotate the second threaded member in onedirection to apply a clamping force on the first and second jaws wherebythe electrical conductor means is held in surface engagement with theelectrically conductive means and movable in an opposite direction torelease the clamping force on the jaws whereby the plate electrode canbe removed from the electrical connector.
 47. The structure of claim 46wherein: the cam means has an elliptical-shaped face engageable with thesecond jaw means.
 48. The structure of claim 46 including: biasing meansto move the first jaw means away from the second jaw means.
 49. Thestructure of claim 46 wherein: said electrical conductor means is agenerally U-shaped member located within the space between the first jawmeans and the second jaw means and attached to said first and second jawmeans.
 50. The structure of claim 46 wherein: the first jaw means andsecond jaw means are part of a one-piece generally U-shaped member. 51.The structure of claim 50 wherein: said one-piece member is a yeildableplastic material.